7 Dead Giveaway Signs You're Buying A Stolen iPhone

Signs You're Buying A Stolen iPhone
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In the wake of the alarming surge in smartphone thefts, it is imperative to equip oneself with the knowledge to discern whether an iPhone has been stolen. As a potential buyer of a used iPhone, it is crucial to exercise due diligence to avoid becoming inadvertently entangled in illegal activities. This comprehensive guide will provide you with an array of methods to ascertain the legitimacy of an iPhone, empowering you to make informed decisions and protect yourself from unwittingly purchasing a stolen device.

One of the most effective ways to determine if an iPhone has been stolen is to check the IMEI number. The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit number assigned to every mobile device. You can retrieve the IMEI number of the iPhone by dialing *#06# on the phone’s keypad. Once you have the IMEI number, you can visit the IMEI checker website and enter the number to see if it has been reported as stolen. If the IMEI number has been reported as stolen, it is likely that the iPhone has been stolen and should not be purchased.

Another way to check if an iPhone has been stolen is to look for signs of tampering. If the iPhone has been opened or repaired, it is possible that it has been stolen and then fixed to be sold. Check for any signs of damage to the iPhone’s casing, buttons, or screen. If you see any signs of tampering, it is best to avoid purchasing the iPhone. You can also check the iPhone’s activation lock status by visiting the iCloud website. If the iPhone is activation locked, it means that it has been reported as stolen and cannot be activated without the owner’s Apple ID and password. If the iPhone is activation locked, it is definitely stolen and should not be purchased.

Identifying the Device’s IMEI Number

The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is aunique 15-digit code that identifies every mobile phone. It’s like the phone’s fingerprint, and it can be used to track the device if it’s lost or stolen.

There are several ways to find the IMEI number of your iPhone. One way is to go to **Settings** > **General** > **About** and scroll down to the IMEI number. You can also find the IMEI number on the back of the phone, next to the SIM card slot. If you have an iPhone 6 or later, you can also find the IMEI number by dialing *#06# on the phone’s keypad.

Once you have the IMEI number, you can use it to check if the phone is stolen. Here’s how:

Go to the [National Equipment Register (NER)](https://www.checkmend.com/stolen-mobile-phone-checker) website.
Enter the IMEI number in the search bar and click “Check.”
The website will return a report that will tell you if the phone is reported as stolen.

If the phone is reported as stolen, you can contact your carrier to have it blacklisted. This will prevent the phone from being used on any network, making it useless to the thief.

Checking for Visible Damage

Damaged iPhones may be indicative of a stolen device. Thoroughly inspect the device’s exterior for any signs of physical tampering or wear and tear. Here are some specific areas to examine:

1. Scratches, Dents, or Cracks:

Examine the device’s casing, screen, and buttons for any scratches, dents, or cracks. Severe damage may indicate that the device has been dropped or mishandled, which could raise concerns about its legitimacy.

2. Missing or Loose Screws:

Check the screws on the back of the iPhone. Missing or loose screws can indicate that the device has been opened or tampered with. To inspect the screws effectively:

Type of iPhone	Number of Screws	Screw Location
iPhone 4/4S	2	Bottom of the device, next to the charging port
iPhone 5/5s	2	Bottom of the device, next to the Lightning connector
iPhone 6/6s	2	Bottom of the device, near the Lightning connector
iPhone 7	3	Bottom of the device: 2 screws near the Lightning connector, 1 screw on the right side
iPhone 8/8 Plus	3	Bottom of the device: 2 screws near the Lightning connector, 1 screw on the left side
iPhone X/XR/XS/XS Max	4	Bottom of the device: 2 screws near the Lightning connector, 1 screw on each side
iPhone 11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max	4	Bottom of the device: 2 screws near the Lightning connector, 1 screw on each side
iPhone 12/12 mini	4	Bottom of the device: 2 screws near the Lightning connector, 1 screw on each side

3. Water Damage Indicators:

Inspect the iPhone for any signs of water damage, such as corrosion or water droplets inside the device. Water damage may indicate that the device has been dropped in water or exposed to moisture, which could affect its functionality and legitimacy.

Examining the Phone’s Serial Number

The phone’s serial number is a unique identifier that can be used to track its ownership. If you’re concerned that the iPhone you’re considering purchasing may be stolen, you can check its serial number against Apple’s database of stolen devices.

To find your iPhone's serial number, go to Settings > General > About. The serial number will be listed under “Model”.

Once you have the serial number, you can check it against Apple’s database of stolen devices. To do this, visit the following website: https://checkcoverage.apple.com/

Enter the serial number into the search field and click “Continue”. Apple will then check its database and let you know if the device has been reported as stolen.

Status	Description
Clean	The device has not been reported as stolen.
Lost	The device has been reported as lost.
Stolen	The device has been reported as stolen.

If the device is listed as lost or stolen, you should not purchase it, as you may be held liable if the device is recovered. You should also report the device to Apple, so that they can block it from being activated on their network.

Monitoring Activation Lock Status

Activation Lock is a security feature that locks your iPhone to your Apple ID, preventing anyone else from activating or using it without your permission. If your iPhone is stolen, you’ll need to use Activation Lock to keep it from being used.

You can check the Activation Lock status of your iPhone by following these steps:

Go to the Apple ID website (https://appleid.apple.com/).
Sign in with your Apple ID.
Click on “Devices” from the top menu.
Find your iPhone in the list of devices and click on it.
Check the “Find My iPhone” status. If it says “Locked,” then your iPhone is Activation Locked.

If your iPhone is Activation Locked, you’ll need to enter your Apple ID password to unlock it. If you don’t know your Apple ID password, you can reset it by following these steps:

Go to the Apple ID website (https://appleid.apple.com/).
Click on “Forgot Apple ID or password.”
Enter the email address associated with your Apple ID and click on “Continue.”
Follow the instructions on the screen to reset your password.

Once you’ve reset your password, you can enter it into your iPhone to unlock it.

Reviewing Purchase History

The purchase history associated with an iPhone can provide valuable insights into its legitimacy. By reviewing the history, you can ascertain the following:

Date and time of purchase: This information allows you to determine if the iPhone was purchased recently or in the past. A recent purchase date suggests a higher probability of legitimacy.
Location of purchase: Identifying the store or online retailer where the iPhone was purchased can provide context on its origin and potentially help you trace the seller.
Purchased model and specifications: Comparing the purchase details with the physical iPhone you have can verify that the two match. For instance, the model number, storage capacity, and color should correspond.
Billing information: Reviewing the billing address associated with the purchase can give you an idea of the original owner’s location.
Return or exchange history: Any recent returns or exchanges of the iPhone can raise red flags and warrant further investigation.

Checking Purchase History

To review the purchase history of an iPhone, follow these steps:

Go to Settings on the iPhone.
Tap on your Apple ID (at the top).
Select “Purchase History” from the list.
Scroll down to find the purchase record for the iPhone.
Tap on the record to view the detailed purchase information.

Observing the Phone’s Behavior

Pay close attention to the phone’s behavior and usage patterns. If you notice any unusual or suspicious activities, it could indicate that the phone has been stolen.

Location Tracking

Check if the phone’s location can be tracked. Go to the “Find My” app on another Apple device or visit the Find My website. If the phone is offline or not found, it could be a sign that it has been stolen.

Frequent App Crashes and Errors

If the phone repeatedly experiences app crashes and errors, it could indicate that the phone has been tampered with or has malicious software installed. These issues can disrupt the phone’s functionality and raise suspicion.

Power Cycling

Unexpected power cycling or sudden restarts can be a sign of unauthorized access. The thieves may try to reset the phone to remove any traces of their activity.

Battery Drain

Rapid battery drain can indicate that the phone is running unauthorized apps or processes in the background. These activities can consume excessive battery power and shorten the phone’s lifespan.

Unusual Text Messages or Calls

If the phone receives or sends unusual text messages or calls, it could indicate that the phone is being used for illegal activities or has been compromised. Check the phone’s call logs and message history for any suspicious communications.

Disabled Features

Stolen phones may have certain features disabled, such as the ability to access cellular networks or connect to Wi-Fi. This can make it difficult to track or locate the phone, as it will not be able to connect to the internet.

Consulting with the Carrier

If you suspect the iPhone is stolen, contact the carrier associated with the device. They can provide valuable information such as:

Data	Information
Account Information	The carrier can confirm if the iPhone is associated with a valid account and its current status (active, suspended, or canceled).
IMEI/MEID Number	The carrier can provide the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) or Mobile Equipment Identifier (MEID) number for the device. This unique number can be used to check the device’s status.
Device Blacklist	Carriers maintain a blacklist of stolen and lost devices. The carrier can check if the iPhone’s IMEI/MEID number is on the blacklist, indicating that it has been reported stolen.
Activation Lock Status	Carriers can determine if the iPhone has Activation Lock enabled, which prevents unauthorized activation of the device without the original Apple ID and password.
Recent Activity	The carrier may have records of recent activity on the device, such as call logs, text messages, and data usage. This information can help verify ownership and track the device’s movements.
Device Location	In some cases, carriers offer device tracking services that can locate the iPhone’s approximate location, provided the device is connected to the network and has location services enabled.

When contacting the carrier, provide them with the iPhone’s IMEI/MEID number and any available details about the suspected theft. The carrier’s assistance can help you determine the device’s status and take necessary actions, such as blacklisting it or providing documentation for insurance claims.

Contacting Apple

To check if an iPhone is stolen, you can contact Apple. Apple has a database of stolen iPhones, and they can check to see if the iPhone you have is on the list. To contact Apple, you can call them at 1-800-MY-APPLE, or you can visit their website at https://support.apple.com.

When you contact Apple, you will need to provide them with the iPhone’s serial number. You can find the iPhone’s serial number by going to Settings > General > About. Apple will then check their database to see if the iPhone is stolen. If the iPhone is stolen, Apple will be able to provide you with the contact information for the owner.

In addition to contacting Apple, you can also check the iPhone’s Activation Lock status. Activation Lock is a security feature that prevents anyone from using an iPhone that has been stolen or lost. If the iPhone you have is Activation Locked, you will not be able to use it until you enter the correct Apple ID and password.

To check the iPhone’s Activation Lock status, you can go to iCloud.com and sign in with the Apple ID that is associated with the iPhone. Once you are signed in, you can click on “Find My iPhone” and then select the iPhone you want to check. If the iPhone is Activation Locked, you will see a message that says “This iPhone is Activation Locked.” You will also be able to see the contact information for the owner of the iPhone.

Here are some additional steps you can take to check if an iPhone is stolen:

Check the iPhone’s IMEI number. The IMEI number is a unique identifier that is assigned to every iPhone. You can find the iPhone’s IMEI number by going to Settings > General > About.
Call the iPhone’s carrier. The iPhone’s carrier will be able to tell you if the iPhone has been reported stolen.
Check the iPhone’s warranty status. If the iPhone is stolen, the warranty will likely be void.
If you are buying a used iPhone, be sure to ask the seller for proof of purchase. This will help you to ensure that the iPhone is not stolen.

Contact Apple

Call 1-800-MY-APPLE or visit https://support.apple.com.

Provide the iPhone’s serial number: Settings > General > About.

Check Activation Lock status:

iCloud.com > Sign in with Apple ID > Find My iPhone.

Additional steps:

Get IMEI number: Settings > General > About.
Call the carrier.
Check the warranty status.
Request proof of purchase for used devices.

Reporting a Suspicious Device

If you encounter a suspicious device, it’s crucial to proceed with caution and report it to the appropriate authorities. Here are some guidelines for reporting a suspicious device:

1. Observe and Document

Discreetly observe the device, noting its appearance, location, and any unusual behavior. Take photographs or videos if possible.

2. Notify Authorities

Immediately contact law enforcement or emergency services. Provide a detailed description of the device and its location.

3. Isolate the Device

If you can safely do so, isolate the device by moving it away from people or hazardous materials.

4. Secure the Area

If the device appears to be a potential explosive or other threat, secure the area and evacuate individuals to a safe distance.

5. Stay Clear

Maintain a safe distance from the device and avoid touching or tampering with it.

6. Provide Information

Provide the authorities with any relevant information, including the location, description, and any suspicious activities observed.

7. Follow Instructions

Follow the instructions of the authorities and assist with their investigation as requested.

8. Stay Informed

Stay informed about the situation and follow updates from official sources.

9. Report Suspicious Behavior

In addition to reporting suspicious devices, it’s essential to report any suspicious behavior associated with them. If you observe individuals behaving in an unusual or suspicious manner around a device, such as leaving it unattended, taking photographs or videos, or attempting to conceal it, report this behavior immediately to the authorities.

Battery Draining Faster Than Usual

Typically, iPhones have a long-lasting battery life that can last a full day or more with average usage. However, a significant decrease in battery life could indicate that the phone is running unauthorized apps or processes in the background, draining the battery faster than normal.

Protecting Yourself from Stolen Devices

1. Use a Strong Password or Passcode

A strong password or passcode makes it more difficult for thieves to access your phone and your personal information. Avoid using simple passwords like “1234” or “password.” Instead, use a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

2. Enable Find My iPhone

Find My iPhone is a service that allows you to track your phone if it’s lost or stolen. Once enabled, you can use the Find My iPhone app on another device or visit the website to locate your phone.

3. Update Your Software Regularly

Apple regularly releases software updates that include security patches. Keeping your phone updated with the latest software helps protect against security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by thieves.

4. Be Careful with Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are attempts to trick people into providing personal information or login credentials. Be wary of emails or text messages that claim to be from Apple or other legitimate organizations and ask for your password or other sensitive information.

5. Avoid Suspicious Websites and Apps

Downloading apps from unknown sources or visiting unsecured websites can put your phone at risk of malware or spyware that could steal your personal information or track your location.

6. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of people who may be watching you enter your password or access your phone.

7. Keep Your Phone Secure When in Public

Keep your phone in a safe place, such as a zipped pocket or purse, when in public places. Avoid leaving your phone unattended on tables or in other visible locations.

8. Report Your Phone Stolen Immediately

If your phone is stolen, report it to the police and your carrier immediately. Your carrier can block your phone from being used on their network.

9. Monitor Your Credit Report

Identity theft is a common risk associated with stolen phones. Monitor your credit report regularly for any suspicious activity and report any unauthorized accounts or inquiries.

10. Use a Mobile Device Management (MDM) Solution for Businesses

For businesses, implementing an MDM solution provides additional security features such as remote device wiping, app blacklisting, and geofencing capabilities to safeguard company-owned devices.

Protecting Yourself from Stolen Devices	How to Protect Yourself
Use a strong password or passcode	Create a password with upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
Enable Find My iPhone	Track your phone if it’s lost or stolen
Update your software regularly	Install security patches to protect against vulnerabilities

How To Know If The iPhone Is Stolen

There are a few things you can look for to determine if an iPhone is stolen. First, check the IMEI number. This is a unique identifier for each iPhone, and it can be found on the back of the phone or in the Settings app under General > About. If the IMEI number has been reported as stolen, then the phone is likely stolen as well.

Another thing to look for is activation lock. This feature makes it so that an iPhone can only be activated with the Apple ID of the person who originally set it up. If activation lock is turned on, and you don’t know the Apple ID or password, then the phone is likely stolen.

Finally, you can also check the Find My iPhone app. This app allows you to track the location of your iPhone, even if it’s been stolen. If the Find My iPhone app is turned on, and you don’t know the Apple ID or password, then the phone is likely stolen.

If you’re not sure if an iPhone is stolen, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and not buy it. There are plenty of legitimate iPhones for sale, so there’s no need to risk buying a stolen one.